Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Attorneys

Shoplifting Charges in Colorado Springs

Theft is defined by Colorado state law as “knowingly obtaining, retaining, or exercising control over anything of value of another without authorization or by threat or deception; or deprives another person of the thing of value permanently.” Shoplifting, while is seemingly a harmless crime, can have severe consequences on your future. It is important that you understand the charges against you and how it may impact you.

Shoplifting Charge

Classification

Presumptive Sentencing

Presumptive Fines

Less than $50 in value

Class 1 Petty Offense

Up to 6 Months

Up to $500

$50 – $300 in value

Class 3 Misdemeanor

Up to 6 Months

Up to $750

$300 – $750 in value

Class 2 Misdemeanor

Up to 12 Months

Up to $1,000

$750 – $2,000 in value

Class 1 Misdemeanor

Up to 18 Months

Up to $5,000

$2,000 – $5,000 in value

Class 6 Felony

Up to 18 Months

Up to $100,000

$5,000 – $20,000 in value

Class 5 Felony

Up to 3 Years

Up to $100,000

$20,000 – $100,000 in value

Class 4 Felony

Up to 6 Years

Up to $500,000

$100,000 – $1 Million in value

Class 3 Felony

Up to 12 Years

Up to $750,000

More than $1 Million in value

Class 2 Felony

8 to 24 Years

Up to $1 Million

Theft Crime Charges

Many people are familiar with the fact that taking possession of something that does not belong to you is illegal and is a crime of theft. Each type of theft crime carries different consequences and punishments, so it is important to understand the difference between the various charges. A theft crime is any crime that involves the taking of property or a “thing of value” that does not belong to you.

Shoplifting is when a person conceals items in a commercial setting to remove the item without the intent to pay for it. This is most common in the retail setting.

Larceny is the theft of personal property, it is the crime of stealing from another person. Money, personal belongings, vehicles, and pets are all examples of things that can be included in a larceny charge.

Burglary is when a person illegally enters a building or home with the intent to commit theft. Burglary is committed whether or not the crime of theft occurs, once a person illegally enters the premise.

Robbery is when a perpetrator has or uses a weapon in the process of committing a crime of theft or an attempted crime of theft. Robbery itself is not the crime of theft, but rather the intent to use force or threat to commit a crime of theft, and assault or battery are other potential charges that may be incurred.

Embezzlement is the theft or larceny of money or property by a person in a position of trust or responsibility over the property. This is common in the corporate setting. An example is a bank teller taking money.

Identity theft is when one person uses the personal information of another person for financial gain. Common examples in Colorado are using another person’s ATM card, applying for loans in another person’s name, and deceptive use of a ski pass.

Other lesser known theft crimes that are common in Colorado include theft of trade secrets, theft of medical information, and resale of lift tickets. If you have been the victim of a theft crime or you have been accused of a crime of theft in Colorado, it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side to help you defend your case.

Shoplifting Defenses

Never admit guilt without invoking your right to a criminal defense lawyer.

There are many reasons that a person may commit an act of shoplifting, as there are a variety of situations that may make it appear that someone has shoplifted. Your criminal defense lawyer may use one of these shoplifting defenses to fight your case.

Lack of intent applies when the supposed shoplifter had no intent of stealing an item. Or instance, if you were caught up in conversation and walked out with an item you forgot you were holding or when you paid for everything else, the item was not rang up. To be found guilty of knowingly shoplifting, the prosecution will have to prove intent.

Choice of evils, or justification, is an affirmative defense — admission that the crime took place, with an offering of justification — applies to any criminal act where the crime was committed to avoid committing a greater crime. In regard to shoplifting, a person usually uses this defense when the items stolen were out of necessity. For instance, when baby formula or diapers are stolen to avoid allowing the child to be neglected basic needs.

Duress is also an affirmative defense, in which the shoplifting is committed under coercion or as a result of violence, threat, or pressure of another person.

Return of property can be used as a defense when the crime is made right. This helps to prove lack of intent.

Lack of evidence is the defense that is used to force the prosecution to prove that you committed a crime. Without the stolen goods or the ability to prove that you stole the goods rather than obtained them legitimately, there is no case. This defense is used in any case where the perpetrator was not “caught red-handed,” so to speak.

Mental illness, or insanity, can be used when the perpetrator suffers from the condition Kleptomania. Kleptomania is a recognized mental disorder that has been linked to depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and other manias. In this defense, your criminal defense lawyer will argue that the crime was committed due to a disorder beyond your control.

Mistaken identity is a situation in which the person who accuses you of the crime cannot pick you out of a lineup or can only describe the suspect without being able to determine for certain who the person who committed the crime is.

Entrapment occurs when members of law enforcement set up a sting or use deception to catch people in the act of a crime. If you are caught shoplifting as a result of law enforcement deception, you may be able to use an entrapment defense.

At the Law Offices of Murphy and Price, our legal team can help build a solid defense for your theft crime charges. Before you make a plea, contact us to find out how we can help. We have nearly three decades of experience as criminal defense attorneys in Colorado Springs, defending local residents, military service members, immigrants, and tourists. Contact us for your consultation so we can begin building your defense today!

Why Choose Us?

We know that one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why our attorneys are committed to offering advice tailored to the legal needs and goals of our clients. We place a premium on building long-standing relationships and on achieving the goals of our clients in a reasonable and timely manner. Contact us to find a lawyer for your situation.

Murphy & Price LLP is a partnership of professional companies - The Law Office of Warren D Price PLLC is the legal services company based in Colorado. Warren Price is licensed to practice in Colorado, the United States District Court for the district of Colorado, as well as the United States District Courts of Maryland and the District of Columbia. He is also a member of the Maryland State Bar. J. Dennis Murphy, Jr., the attorney based in Maryland, is licensed in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, but is not a member of the Colorado State Bar.